by Rev. Laura Thornton John 6: 56-69 Here we are on the fifth and final Sunday in chapter 6 of John’s gospel. This five part series in the middle of our summer is different. We don’t usually spend this much time in a single chapter of a gospel. Some days, like today we even have … Continue reading The Flesh and Blood of Jesus | August 22, 2021
Three Stories of the Bread of Life during Pandemic | August 8, 2021
Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber We’re still in the midst of the Bread of Life section of John’s Gospel. This morning, I would like to share with you three stories about the change in my relationship with the Bread of Life during this pandemic. Act 1 Early Pandemic. March 2020. The shutdown happened quickly. We here … Continue reading Three Stories of the Bread of Life during Pandemic | August 8, 2021
Our Work to Do | August 1, 2021
by Rev'd Dr Helen Svoboda-Barber Today’s Gospel from the 6th chapter of John’s gospel picks up after Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with a young child’s offering of 5 loaves and 2 fish. That night, the disciples are on a boat in a rough sea, and Jesus walks on water to them and calms … Continue reading Our Work to Do | August 1, 2021
Prayer and New Life for the Church | May 16, 2021
by Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber Every year on the Sunday before Pentecost, we read a section of the longest prayer attributed to Jesus. The entire 17th chapter of the gospel of John is the prayer Jesus prayed just before he was arrested. The whole prayer has three fairly distinct sections. In the first section, Jesus … Continue reading Prayer and New Life for the Church | May 16, 2021
The Stories We Believe | April 25, 2021
by the Rev. James B. Craven III In the name of God- Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Amen It was an enormous privilege for me to study under Professor Roland Murphy. Roland was a Carmelite Roman Catholic priest who grew up in Chicago. His parents came from Ireland, which Roland called the Holy Land. Roland … Continue reading The Stories We Believe | April 25, 2021
A Grain of Wheat, Split Open | March 21, 2021
Rev. Dr. Helen Svoboda-Barber “...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life will lose it...” John 12:24b-25 This week, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the idea of a grain of … Continue reading A Grain of Wheat, Split Open | March 21, 2021
Jesus Cleansing the Temple | March 7, 2021
By Rev. Laura Thornton Jesus does not just lash out at corruption, he pushes against the larger system of religious structure in the temple. He brings the whole thing to a stand still “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!”
